Palpation

Definition

Palpation is a method of feeling with the fingers or hands during a physical examination. The health care provider touches and feels the patient's body to examine the size, consistency, texture, location, and tenderness of an organ or body part.

Review Date:
2/17/2011
Reviewed By:
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.